Westminster Catechism

Question 1

Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?

Answer 1

A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, [a] and to enjoy him for ever. [b]

1 Cor 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

• [a]. Ps. 86:9; Isa. 60:21; Rom. 11:36; 1 Cor. 6:20; 10:31; Rev.
  4: 11*
• [b]. Ps. 16:5-11; 144:15; Isa. 12:2; Luke 2:10; Phil. 4:4; Rev.
  21: 3-4*

Question 2

Q. 2. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?

Answer 2

A. The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, [a] is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. [b]

2 Tim 3:15-17 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God[a] may be complete, equipped for every good work.

• [a]. Matt. 19:4-5 with Gen. 2:24; Luke 24:27, 44; 1 Cor. 2:13;
  14: 37; 2 Pet.1:20-21; 3:2, 15-16*

[b]. Deut. 4:2; Ps. 19:7-11; Isa. 8:20; John 15:11; 20:30-31;
Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; 1 John 1:4

Question 3

Q. 3. What do the Scriptures principally teach?

Answer 3

A. The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, [a] and what duty God requires of man [b].

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

[a]. Gen. 1:1; John 5:39; 20:31; Rom. 10:17; 2 Tim. 3:15

[b]. Deut. 10:12-13; Josh. 1:8; Ps. 119:105; Mic. 6:8; 2 Tim.
3:16-17

Question 4

Q. 4. What is God?

Answer 4

A. God is a Spirit [a], infinite [b], eternal [c], and unchangeable [d] in his being [e], wisdom [f], power [g], holiness [h], justice [i], goodness [j], and truth [k].

John 4:24** God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.**”

Question 5

Q. 6. How many persons are there in the Godhead?

Answer 5

A. There are three persons in the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost [a]; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory. [b]

[a]. Matt. 3:16-17; 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; 1 Pet. 1:2

[b]. Ps. 45:6; John 1:1; 17:5; Acts 5:3-4; Rom. 9:5; Col. 2:9;
Jude 24-25

Question 6

Q. 7. What are the decrees of God?

Answer 6

A. The decrees of God are, his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass [a].

Eph. 1:11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

[a]. Ps. 33:11; Isa. 14:24; Acts 2:23; Eph. 1:11-12

Question 7

Q. 8. How doth God execute his decrees?

Answer 7

A. God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence[a].

Matt 3:16-17 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him,[a] and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son,[b] with whom I am well pleased.”

[a]. Ps. 148:8; Isa. 40:26; Dan. 4:35; Acts 4:24-28; Rev. 4:11

Question 8

Q. 9. What is the work of creation?

Answer 8

A. The work of creation is, God’s making all things of nothing, by the word of his power [a], in the space of six days, and all very good. [b]

[a]. Gen. 1:1; Ps. 33:6, 9; Heb. 11:3

[b]. Gen. 1:31

Question 9

Q. 10. How did God create man?

Answer 9

A. God created man male and female, after his own image [a], in knowledge [b], righteousness, and holiness [c], with dominion over the
creatures [d].

[a]. Gen. 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

• [b]. Col. 3:10*
• [c]. Eph. 4:24*
• [d]. Gen. 1:28; see Ps. 8*

Question 10

Q. 11. What are God’s works of providence?

Answer 10

A. God’s works of providence are, his most holy [a], wise [b], and powerful [c] preserving [d] and governing [e] all his creatures, and all their actions [f].

[a]. Ps. 145:17

• [b]. Ps. 104:24*
• [c]. Heb. 1:3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,*
• [d]. Neh. 9:6*
• [e]. Eph. 1:19-22*
• [f]. Ps. 36:6; Prov. 16:33; Matt. 10:30*

Question 11

Q. 12. What special act of providence did God exercise toward man in the estate wherein he was created?

Answer 11

A. When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of perfect obedience; forbidding him to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon pain of death. [a]

Gen 2:17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat[a] of it you shall surely die.”

[a]. Gen. 2:16-17; Jas. 2:10

Question 12

Q. 13. Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created?

Answer 12

A. Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God [a].

Gen 3:6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise,[a] she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.

[a]. Gen. 3:6-8, 13; 2 Cor. 11:3

Question 13

Q. 14. What is sin?

Answer 13

A. Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God [a].

1 John 3:4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.

[a]. Lev. 5:17; Jas. 4:17;

Question 14

Q. 15. What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created?

Answer 14

A. The sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein thy were created, was their eating the forbidden fruit [a].

Gen 3:6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise,[a] she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.

[a]. Gen. 3:6-8, 13

Question 15

Q. 16. Did all mankind fall in Adam’s first transgression?

Answer 15

A. The covenant being made with Adam [a], not only for himself, but for his posterity; all mankind, descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him, in his first transgression [b].

1 Cor. 15:21-22 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.

• [a]. Gen. 2:16-17; Jas. 2:10*
• [b]. Rom. 5:12-21; 1 Cor. 15:22*

Question 16

Q. 18. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell?

Answer 16

A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consists in the guilt of Adam’s first sin [a], the want of original righteousness [b], and the corruption of his whole nature [c], which is commonly called original sin; together with all actual transgressions which proceed
from it [d].

Rom. 5:12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men[a] because all sinned—

• [a]. Rom. 5:12, 19*
• [b]. Rom. 3:10; Col. 3:10; Eph. 4:24*
• [c]. Ps. 51:5; John 3:6; Rom. 3:18; 8:7-8; Eph. 2:3*
• [d]. Gen. 6:5; Ps. 53:1-3; Matt. 15:19; Rom. 3:10-18, 23; Gal.
  5: 19-21; Jas. 1:14-15*

Question 17

Q. 19. What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?

Answer 17

A. All mankind by their fall lost communion with God [a], are under his wrath [b] and curse [c], and so made liable to all miseries in this life [d], to death [e] itself, and to the pains of hell for ever [f].

Rom 5:14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.

[a]. Gen. 3:8, 24; John 8:34, 42, 44; Eph. 2:12; 4:18

[b]. John 3:36; Rom. 1:18; Eph. 2:3; 5:6

[c]. Gal. 3:10; Rev. 22:3

[d]. Gen. 3:16-19; Job 5:7; Ecc. 2:22-23; Rom. 8:18-23

[e]. Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 5:12; 6:23

[f]. Matt. 25:41, 46; 2 Thess. 1:9; Rev. 14:9-11

Question 18

Q. 20. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?

Answer 18

A. God having, out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life [a,] did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer [b].

Eph 1:4-5 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us[a] for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

• [a]. Acts 13:48; Eph. 1:4-5; 2 Thess. 2:13-14*
• [b]. Gen. 3:15; 17:7; Ex. 19:5-6; Jer. 31:31-34; Matt. 20:28; 1 Cor. 11:25; Heb. 9:15*

Question 19

Q. 21. Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?

Answer 19

A. The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ [a], who, being the eternal Son of God [b], became man [c] and so was, and continueth to be, God and man in two distinct natures, and one person, forever [d].

Phil 2:5-11 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,[a] 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped…

• [a]. John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5-6*
• [b]. Ps. 2:7; Matt. 3:17; 17:5; John 1:18*
• [c]. Isa. 9:6; Matt. 1:23; John 1:14; Gal. 4:4*
• [d]. Acts 1:11; Heb. 7:24-25*

Question 20

Q. 22. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?

Answer 20

A. Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body, and a reasonable soul [a], being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the virgin Mary, and born of her [b] yet without sin [c].

Luke 1:35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[a] will be called holy—the Son of God.

[a]. Phil. 2:7; Heb. 2:14, 17

[b]. Luke 1:27, 31, 35

[c]. 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 7:26; 1 John 3:5

Question 21

Q. 24. How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?

Answer 21

A. Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by his Word [a] and Spirit [b,] the will of God for our salvation [c].

John 1:1,4 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…In him was life,[a] and the life was the light of men.

• [a]. Luke 4:18-19, 21; Acts 1:1-2; Heb. 2:3*
• [b]. John 15:26-27; Acts 1:8; 1 Pet. 1:11*
• [c]. John 4:41-42; 20:30-31*

Question 22

Q. 25. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?

Answer 22

A. Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice [a], and reconcile us to God [b]; and in making continual intercession for us [c].

Heb. 7:25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost[a] those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

[a]. Isa. 53; Acts 8:32-35; Heb. 9:26-28; 10:12

[b]. Rom. 5:10-11; 2 Cor. 5:18; Col. 1:21-22

[c]. Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25; 9:24

Question 23

Q. 26. How doth Christ execute the office of a king?

Answer 23

A. Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us [a], and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies [b].

1 Cor 15:25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.

[a]. Ps. 110:3; Matt. 28:18-20; John 17:2; Col. 1:13

[b]. Ps. 2:6-9; 110:1-2; Matt. 12:28; 1 Cor. 15:24-26; Col. 2:15

Question 24

Q. 27. Wherein did Christ’s humiliation consist?

Answer 24

A. Christ’s humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition [a], made under the law [b], undergoing the miseries of this life [c], the wrath of God [d], and the cursed death of the cross [e]; in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time. [f]

Luke 2:7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

• [a]. Luke 2:7; 2 Cor. 8:9; Gal. 4:4*
• [b]. Gal. 4:4*
• [c]. Isa. 53:3; Luke 9:58; John 4:6; 11:35; Heb. 2:18*
• [d]. Ps. 22:1 (Matt. 27:46); Isa. 53:10; 1 John 2:2*
• [e]. Gal. 3:13; Phil. 2:8*
• [f]. Matt. 12:40; 1 Cor. 15:3-4*

Question 25

Q. 28. Wherein consisteth Christ’s exaltation?

Answer 25

A. Christ’s exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day [a], in ascending up into heaven [b], in sitting at the right hand [c] of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day [d].

• [a]. 1 Cor. 15:4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures*
• [b]. Ps. 68:18; Acts 1:11; Eph. 4:8*
• [c]. Ps. 110:1; Acts 2:33-34; Heb. 1:3*
• [d]. Matt. 16:27; Acts 17:31*

Question 26

Q. 29. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?

Answer 26

A. We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by his Holy Spirit [a].

John 3:5-6 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.[a]

[a]. Titus 3:4-7

Question 27

Q. 30. How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?

Answer 27

A. The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us [a], and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling [b].

• [a]. Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 2:12-16; Eph. 2:8; Phil. 1:29*
• [b]. John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.*
• 1 Cor. 1:9; Eph. 3:17*

Question 28

Q. 31. What is effectual calling?

Answer 28

A. Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ [a], and renewing our wills [b], he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ [c], freely offered to us in the gospel [d].

Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

[a]. Acts 26:18; 1 Cor. 2:10, 12; 2 Cor. 4:6; Eph. 1:17-18

[b]. Deut. 30:6; Ezk. 36:26-27; John 3:5; Titus 3:5

[c]. John 6:44-45; Acts 16:14

[d]. Isa. 45:22; Matt. 11:28-30; Rev. 22:17

Question 29

Q. 32. What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life?

Answer 29

A. They that are effectually called do in this life partake of justification, adoption, and sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them [a].

• [a]. Rom. 8:30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.*
• ; 1 Cor. 1:30; 6:11; Eph. 1:5*

Question 30

Q. 33. What is justification?

Answer 30

A. Justification is an act of God’s free grace [a], wherein he pardoneth all our sins [b], and accepteth us as righteous in his sight [c], only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us [d], and received by faith alone [e].

Rom 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

• [a]. Rom. 3:24*
• [b]. Rom. 4:6-8; 2 Cor. 5:19*
• [c]. 2 Cor. 5:21*
• [d]. Rom. 4:6, 11; 5:19*
• [e]. Gal. 2:16; Phil. 3:9*

Question 31

Q. 34. What is adoption?

Answer 31

A. Adoption is an act of God’s free grace [a], whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges, of the sons of God [b].

[a]. 1 John 3:1

[b]. John 1:12;

Rom. 8:17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Question 32

Q. 35. What is sanctification?

Answer 32

A. Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace [a], whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God [b], and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness [c].

Eph 4:23-24 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

• [a]. Ezk. 36:27; Phil. 2:13; 2 Thess. 2:13*
• [b]. 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 4:23-24; 1 Thess. 5:23*
• [c]. Ezek. 36:25-27; Rom. 6:4, 6, 12-14; 2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Pet. 2:24*

Question 33

Q. 36. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?

Answer 33

A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are, assurance of God’s love [a], peace of conscience [b], joy in the Holy Ghost [c], increase of grace [d], and perseverance therein to the end [e].

• [a]. Rom. 5:5*
• [b]. Rom. 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.*
• [c]. Rom. 14:17*
• [d]. 2 Pet. 3:18*
• [e]. Phil. 1:6; 1 Pet. 1:5*

Question 34

Q. 37. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?

Answer 34

A. The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness [a], and do immediately pass into glory [b]; and their bodies, being still united to Christ [c], do rest in their graves till the resurrection [d].

Luke 23:43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

• [a]. Heb. 12:23*
• [b]. Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 5:6, 8; Phil. 1:23*
• [c]. 1 Thess. 4:14*
• [d]. Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15*

Question 35

Q. 38. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?

Answer 35

A. At the resurrection, believers being raised up in glory [a], shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment [b], and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoying of God [c] to all eternity [d].

[a]. I Cor. 15:42-43

[b]. Matt. 25:33-34, 46

[c]. Rom. 8:29; 1 John 3:2

[d]. Ps. 16:11; 1 Thess. 4:17

Question 36

Q. 39. What is the duty which God requireth of man?

Answer 36

A. The duty which God requireth of man, is obedience to his revealed will [a].

Mic. 6:8

He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,[a]
and to walk humbly with your God?

[a]. Deut. 29:29; Mic. 6:8; 1 John 5:2-3

Question 37

Q. 82. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?

Answer 37

A. No mere man, since the fall, is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but doth daily break them in thought, word, and deed [a].

1 John 1:10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

[a]. Gen. 8:21; Rom. 3:9ff, 23

Question 38

Q. 83. Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?

Answer 38

A. Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others [a].

[a]. Ezek. 8:6 And he said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations that the house of Israel are committing here, to drive me far from my sanctuary? But you will see still greater abominations.”

, 13, 15; Matt. 11:20-24; John 19:11

Question 39

Q. 84. What doth every sin deserve?

Answer 39

A. Every sin deserveth God’s wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come [a].

Eph 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

[a]. Matt. 25:41; Gal. 3:10; Eph. 5:6; Jas. 2:10

Question 40

Q. 85. What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse, due to us for sin?

Answer 40

A. To escape the wrath and curse of God, due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life [a, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption [].

[a]. Mark 1:15;

Acts 20:21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ

Question 41

Q. 86. What is faith in Jesus Christ?

Answer 41

A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace [a], whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel [b].

Gal 2:16 yet we know that a person is not justified[a] by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

• [a]. Eph. 2:8-9; cf. Rom. 4:16*
• [b]. John 20:30-31; Gal. 2:15-16; Phil. 3:3-11*

Question 42

Q. 87. What is repentance unto life?

Answer 42

A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace [a], whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ [b], doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God [c], with full purpose of, and endeavour after, new obedience [d].

Acts 2:37-39: Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

• [a]. Acts 11:18; II Tim. 2:25*
• [b]. Ps. 51:1-4; Joel 2:13; Luke 15:7, 10; Acts 2:37*
• [c]. Jer. 31:18-19; Luke 1:16-17; 1 Thess. 1:9*
• [d]. 2 Chron. 7:14; Ps. 119:57-64; Matt. 3:8; 2 Cor. 7:10*

Question 43

Q. 88. What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?

Answer 43

A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption are, his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation [a].

[a]. Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-42

Question 44

Q. 89. How is the Word made effectual to salvation?

Answer 44

A. The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching of the Word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith, unto salvation [a].

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

[a]. Neh. 8:8-9; Acts 20:32; Rom. 10:14-17; 2 Tim. 3:15-17

Question 45

Q. 90. How is the Word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation?

Answer 45

A. That the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation, and prayer [a]; receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practice it in our lives [b].

James 1:25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

• [a]. Deut. 6:6ff; Ps. 119:18; 1 Pet. 2:1-2*
• [b]. Ps. 119:11; 2 Thess. 2:10; Heb. 4:2; Jas. 1:22-25*

Question 46

Q. 91. How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?

Answer 46

A. The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them, or in him that doth administer them; but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them [a].

• [a]. I Cor. 3:7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.*
• ; cf. 1 Cor. 1:12-17*

Question 47

Q. 92. What is a sacrament?

Answer 47

A. A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ [a]; wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers [b].

Matt. 28:19;

Matt 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:19-20

Matt 3:11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Gal. 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

1 Cor. 10:16-17 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.

Question 48

Q. 93. Which are the sacraments of the New Testament?

Answer 48

A. The sacraments of the New Testament are, Baptism [a], and the Lord’s Supper [b].

[a]. Matt. 28:19

[b]. 1 Cor 11:23-26 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for[a] you. Do this in remembrance of me.”[b] 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Question 49

Q. 94. What is Baptism?

Answer 49

A. Baptism is a sacrament, wherein the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost [a], doth signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord’s [b].

[a]. Matt. 28:19

[b]. Acts 2:38-42; And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Acts 22:16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

Rom. 6:3-4 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Gal. 3:26-27 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

1 Pet. 3:21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Question 50

Q. 95. To whom is Baptism to be administered?

Answer 50

A. Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible church, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him [a]; but the infants of such as are members of the visible church are to be baptized [b].

Acts. 2:41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

Acts 2:39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.

• [a]. Acts. 2:41; 8:12, 36, 38; 18:8*
• [b]. Gen. 17:7, 9-11; Acts 2:38-39; 16:32-33; Col. 2:11-12*

Question 51

Q. 96. What is the Lord’s Supper?

Answer 51

A. The Lord’s Supper is a sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ’s appointment, his death is showed forth [a]; and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment, and growth in grace [b].

[a]. Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26

[b]. 1 Cor. 10:16-17

Question 52

Q. 97. What is required for the worthy receiving of the Lord’s Supper?

Answer 52

A. It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord’s Supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord’s body, of their faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience; lest, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves [a].

[a]. 1 Cor. 11:27-32 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.[a] 31 But if we judged[b] ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined[c] so that we may not be condemned along with the world.

Question 53

Q. 98. What is prayer?

Answer 53

A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God [a], for things agreeable to his will [b], in the name of Christ [c], with confession of our sins [d], and thankful acknowledgement of his mercies. [e]

Matt 26:39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

• [a]. Ps. 10:17; 62:8; Matt. 7:7-8*
• [b]. 1 John 5:14*
• [c]. John 16:23-24*
• [d]. Ps. 32:5-6; Dan. 9:4-19; 1 John 1:9*
• [e]. Ps. 103:1-5; 136; Phil. 4:6*

Question 54

Q. 99. What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer?

Answer 54

A. The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in prayer [a]; but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called The Lord’s Prayer. [b]

[a]. 1 John 5:14

[b]. Matt. 6:9-13 (Lord’s Prayer)

Question 55

Q. 18. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell?

Answer 55

A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consists in the guilt of Adam’s first sin [a], the want of original righteousness [b], and the corruption of his whole nature [c], which is commonly called original sin; together with all actual transgressions which proceed
from it [d].

Rom. 3:10 as it is written:“None is righteous, no, not one

• [a]. Rom. 5:12, 19*
• [b]. Rom. 3:10; Col. 3:10; Eph. 4:24*
• [c]. Ps. 51:5; John 3:6; Rom. 3:18; 8:7-8; Eph. 2:3*
• [d]. Gen. 6:5; Ps. 53:1-3; Matt. 15:19; Rom. 3:10-18, 23; Gal.
  5: 19-21; Jas. 1:14-15*

Question 56

Q. 60. How is the sabbath to be sanctified?

Answer 56

A. The sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days [a]; and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God’s worship [b], except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy [c].

Matt 12:11-12 He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

• [a]. Ex. 20:10; Neh. 13:15-22; Isa. 58:13-14*
• [b]. Ex. 20:8; Lev. 23:3; Luke 4:16; Acts 20:7*
• [c]. Matt. 12:1-13*